Let’s talk toilets. I know this may not be a conversation you want to have at the dinner table, bu t eventually, you’re going to have to replace the toilets in your home. Maybe you already have a few that are past their prime.
While there are plenty of toilets on the market today – in just about every price range – there are two models that stand out in the crowd: Kohler Cimarron and American Standard Champion 4.
Both of these toilets offer efficiency and comfort, but they have some differences that will help you decide which one is the right choice for you.
Let’s take a closer look at what each model has to offer.
Kohler Cimarron
Available in five colors, the Cimarron is efficient, comfortable and powerful. But it’s also modern in design, which means it looks great in your bathroom. Looks may not be at the top of your must-have list, but it’s certainly a nice perk.
This toilet offers a number of features that most homeowners will welcome with open arms.
Cimarron Features
- 28 gpf rating
- Chair height seating
- Two-piece
- Elongated bowl
- Available in: white, biscuit, black, ice gray and sandbar
- AquaPiston technology
- Half and full flush
The Cimarron is designed to save water, which means you save money each month – and help save the environment, too. This toilet uses just 1.28 gallons of water per flush, which can provide savings of up to 16,500 gallons of water each year compared to a typical 3.5-gallon toilet.
According to Big Bear Lake, CA’s Water Department, a 1.28 gpf rating is considered a low-flow toilet, which can save you more money on your monthly water bill.
Along with being efficient, this toilet is also powerful. Clogs are rarely a problem thanks to the canister flush valve. This valve produces a powerful flush that helps eliminate clogs without wasting precious water. AquaPiston technology, Kohler’s patented flush engine, delivers a powerful and plug-free flush.
The Cimarron also has a nice water-saving feature that dual flush models have. Trip the flush lever quickly, and the toilet will deliver a half-flush. This saves even more water for liquid-only flushes.
Those who have difficulty on and off a typical toilet will appreciate the Comfort Height of the Cimarron. This toilet is chair height, which makes it easier to get up and sit down.
Pros
- Powerful flush
- Extremely water efficient – 1.28 gpf
- Dual-flush feature
- Comfortable height
- Contemporary design
- Multiple colors to choose from
Cons
- Does not come with a toilet seat
The only complaint with the Kohler Cimarron is that it doesn’t come with a toilet seat. You’ll have to buy a toilet seat separately – not a big deal, but still something that should be noted.
If your top concern is water efficiency, the Kohler Cimarron may be a good choice for you. The 1.28 gpf rating makes the Cimarron one of the more efficient models on the market today.
American Standard Champion 4
American Standard is known for its quality toilets, and the Champion 4 is a fitting name for this model. Blending efficiency with comfort and power, the Champion 4 rarely clogs and comes as a single piece for easy cleaning.
Features
- 6 gpf rating
- One-piece
- Elongated bowl with siphon action jets
- Chair height bowl
- Slow close toilet seat
- Everclean surface
Clogs are no match for the power of the Champion 4 toilet. This model can move a 70% larger mass than competing toilets. While powerful, this toilet still manages to be quiet and quick. The large (2-3/8″), glazed trapway prevent clogs and keeps everything flowing smoothly, according to Lowe’s.
The Champion 4 is part of American Standard’s Right Height collection, which means this toilet is comfortable to sit on and get up off of. This model has a 16-1/2″ rim height.
Cleaning is everyone’s least-favorite part of owning a toilet, but the Champion 4 makes your life a little easier. The EverClean surface helps keep the toilet cleaner for longer. The one-piece design also makes it easy to keep the exterior surfaces clean.
The slow close toilet seat prevents seat slamming, so you don’t startle family members in the middle of the night.
Pros
- Water efficient at 1.6 gpf
- Toilet seat is at a comfortable height
- One-piece design is easy to keep clean
- EverClean surface keeps your toilet looking cleaner for longer
- Slow-close toilet seat prevents slamming
- Large trapway prevents clogs
Cons
- Elongated bowl may be too large for some bathrooms
The only complaint with the Champion 4 toilet is that the elongated bowl may be too large for some bathrooms. Be sure to double check the toilet’s dimensions before buying to make sure it will fit in your bathroom.
Also, HGTV says most people find elongated bowls to be more comfortable. While they may be bigger, they’re worth the extra real estate – if you can spare it.
Aside from this minor issue, the Champion 4 is an efficient, comfortable and powerful toilet. If you’re looking for a model that stays cleaner for longer and comes with a toilet seat, the Champion 4 may be a good option for you.
The Verdict
Which toilet is the best option for you? That depends on your needs. But our favorite pick is the Kohler Cimarron.
The Cimarron has a higher seat height, which makes it more comfortable to get on and off of. It’s also more water efficient than the Champion 4, which means you’ll save more money on your water bills each month. We also like that this toilet has a dual flush feature, which offers even more efficiency.
If your top concern is power – meaning you want a toilet that seriously won’t clog – the Champion 4 may be the better option for you. This model has a large trapway and is designed to move 70% more mass than conventional toilets. Clogs are rarely a problem with the Champion 4.
Both toilets offer quality, efficiency and a nice modern design. The model that you choose will ultimately depend on your needs and also the size of your bathroom. Be sure to double check the dimensions of each toilet to see which one (maybe both) will fit in your bathroom.
